Austin curling club cashes in on sport’s spiking popularity during Olympics

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Members of the Lone Star Curling Club call it a sport just weird enough for Austin.

As it did in 2010, curling has captured – or confused – scores of fans watching the Sochi Olympics. Millions of viewers a day are tuning in and curling is among the most often mentioned topics worldwide on social media.

KXAN Sportscaster Brent Carney gives curling a try.

Transplants from the north and beginners intrigued by what they’ve seen on TV mingle at The Lone Star Curling Club, based out of Chapparal Ice in Central Austin. A series of learn to curl clinics open to the public over the next few were quick to sell out.

Often compared to shuffle board, darts or bowling, curling is an everyman’s sport.